Cemetery Beach #1 (Image): I&N Demand Warren Ellis and another out-of-this-world premise–a sci-fi twist on Papillon, perhaps?–that’s good enough for me. Plus: any time I see a title that’s Fill-in-the-blank Beach, I’m taken back to Matthew Arnold’s “Dover Beach,” and I’m filled with a kind of curdled joy, which is burdensome, sure, but is satisfying, too. The “generations of lunatics,” a phrase borrowed from the Cemetery Beach preview on PreviewsWorld.com reminds–loosely yet lovingly–of the “ignorant armies clash[ing] by night” in Arnold’s lovely yet melancholy lyric poem–an invitation, a commentary, a warning–from 1867. So, yeah: looking forward to this one–even if “Warren Ellis” is, ultimately, the only legit reason for my forward looking.

Mage: The Hero Denied #12 (Image): I&N Demand Well, look at that: I referenced in my write-up for Batman #54 the glorious green bubbles that caught my eye thirty or so years ago–that drew me to Mage: The Hero Discovered and the adventures of Kevin Matchstick–without having seen the cover to this issue. Now that’s magic.

The New World #3 (Image): I&N Demand #2 was fun, fun, fun! Aleš Kot kicked the conflict into high gear; he pushed the peril to the metal: struck by something undefinable while in the midst of a televised takedown, Stella decides to take a risk, trading a seemingly cushy future for, well, a seemingly mushy fugitive. Isn’t that how all great love stories begin? Shifting: Now, I’m not an artist, still I find Tradd Moore’s art humbling. (Heather Moore’s colors are there to rub it in, ain’t they though? They force the eyes wider, and, along with the mister’s living, breathing lines, create an immersive experience that is absolutely exhilarating!) See: each page turn is bigger than the next; and there I am, bearing the weight of the lines and the colors, which support gloriously Kot’s big ideas, and I’m just like Wow. That’s some spinning-in-your-bed while spinning-some-Floyd-vinyl shit going on. “Legendary,” indeed. You know what I need? I need to see this as a cartoon. A big-screen motherfucking cartoon movie. Please make this into a cartoon movie. Thank you. Next up: a little surgery. Goin’ to the scalpel of love…

Oblivion Song #7 (Image)

The Wicked + The Divine #39 (Image)

the seeds #2 (Dark Horse/Berger Books): I&N Demand Loyal readers might remember: I celebrated #1 with a 22 I&N 22; and looking back at the post–proud of that one, for sure!–and at the issue, I’m reminded of the perfection–as seen in the hive, in the perfect-every-time hexagon of the humble honeybee–of the initial offering. Ann Nocenti’s writing is stinger sharp, piercing the part of us that reads and feels and thinks and looks to connect with another afflicted soul–one driven deeper into the comforting yet conflicting chasm of conspiracy, colored, unfailingly by David Aja, a loud khaki green. Fuck. I can’t wait to get my hands on this one.

She Could Fly #3 (Dark Horse/Berger Books): I&N Demand She Could Fly #2 moves– it flies at a pace that reflects well Luna’s undeterred descent into madness, her succumbing to the stressors that surround her, including family, mystery, and–ceiling the deal–gravity. But she’s not the only one falling: oh no: see, everyone around her–and a significant one who was above her–has fallen or is falling in some way, be it morally, mentally, physically, interpersonally. Yup: lots of falling. Any surprise that the issue wraps up in a basement? Christopher Cantwell’s driving home the point–and is driving it down, down, which will make the rise–there’ll be a rise eventually, right?–that much more satisfying, I’m sure. Add to the mix the discomfort drawn into the narrative by Martin Morazzo’s hectic panel work, and the result is a trap that, even in the freedom of chaos, feels increasingly claustrophobic. Bill and Luna might “need to talk,” but, damn it, I need to read. Gimme #3!

Catwoman #3 (DC)

Detective Comics #988 (DC)

Superman #3 (DC)

The Amazing Spider-Man #5 (Marvel)

Daredevil #608 (Marvel)

Fantastic Four #2 (Marvel)

Crossed +100: Mimic #5 (Avatar)

Hot Lunch Special #2 (AfterShock): I&N Demand Well, wasn’t Hot Lunch Special #1 just the biggest surprise? Hell yeah, it was! I ate that shit up and loved every crumb. I was moved to write an inspired 22 I&N 22, and I hopepray expect that Eliot Rahal and Jorge Fornés will move me in much the same manner with this second helping of sandwiches and sumbitches, trucks and ho-lee fucks!

Moth & Whisper #1 (AfterShock)

Volition #2 (AfterShock)

What are you looking forward to this week?

If you were looking forward to Kendall and Grocery Store Joe getting back together–and, why not, while you’re at it, to Astrid and Kevin getting back together–well, then, fellow citizen of Bachelor Nation, you got your wish.

Since it’s summertime, I’m Superdad full time; so I’m lucky enough to have my two daughters with me when I go to my favorite LCS–the great Android’s Amazing Comics, of course. The girls just love to browse the shop, to check out the comics–they really know how to handle them–and the blind bags–they certainly know how to handle them–and the–as my little one calls them–soft things: you know: a rainbow of My Little Ponies and blood-red My Murderous Deadpools–all the things kids love! Oh, it’s such a joy, especially since they let me take my time–without any distractions at all!–at the big wall of new books.

I pray I find these:

Leviathan #1 (Image)

Paper Girls #23 (Image)

Seven to Eternity #10 (Image)

Stray Bullets: Sunshine and Roses #37 (Image): I&N Demand I loved #36! It’s easily one of my favorite single issues of the year. David Lapham emptied his clip into that one: Spanish Scott and Monster–talk about toxic masculinity! (Oooh, this issue’s a black and white Superfund site!) “Monsters are comin’,” indeed! Gotta love those bad dudes–but not as much as Love Yourself–err—himself. I fell for that fucker right away, and it’s no surprise why: on the surface, he’s sunshine and roses; but on the inside, there’s some kinda complicated shit goin’ on. The love, the pain, the humor in the bespectacled face of death–I rooted my ass off for Love. And that final page, tho. That‘s a stray bullet right through the motherfucking heart. Color me kinda nervous going into this next one. Fucking monsters.

Batman #52 (DC): I&N Demand Batman vs. Bruce Wayne! OK, so Bruce was a little hot after being left at the ledge. Does that mean he–as Bat–had to put the heat on Freeze? Hell yeah it does! But Bruce gets it: he knows he went too far; and now, to remedy the situation, he’s got to fight eleven fellow Gothamites–those very citizens he’s fought for all along while wearing the cape and cowl! I can’t wait to see how this plays out. Tom King–FYI: CIA BEF DC–takes his take on torture/enhanced interrogation techniques to the chilly jury room, and Lee Weeks kills it with his gritty realism. All together, #51 is powerful issue that sets up one heck of a Battle–let the deliberations begin!

Mister Miracle #10 (DC): I&N Demand I’ve never cared for the New Gods. But now–now I care about the New Gods–because through nine issues, the New King has taken us through one emotional Boom Tube after another. He–with the Eisner-winning help of Mitch Gerads–has got the gods grounded in the real and still they’re goddin’ it well enough to make it all so much more. One thing Scott Free will never escape: Tom King–they’re chained together forevermore.

Captain America #2 (Marvel)

The Immortal Hulk #4 (Marvel): I&N Demand I really liked #1. #2 was aight. It had me kinda like Do I need this? (Already droppin’ lots of green every Wednesday, so…) I picked up #3 anyway and was totally Whoa! Al Ewing won me over with the multiple-perspectives-as-offered-by-multiple-artists approach. (Excited to see Garry Brown bangin’ out Big Green.) Loved it! It was incredible immortal! Happy to see, too, a little Alpha Flight action there at the end. As I told someone recently–if commenting on Instagram counts as telling: Alpha Flight is the bacon of comics: they make any book better! Two gamma-irradiated biceps way waaaaay up! Hoping this one flexes its muscles, too.

Survival Fetish #3 (Black Mask): I&N Demand Through two, the all-ways moving Survival Fetish really gratifies: the premise is super sexy; Patrick Kindlon’s writing is sharp–the narration and the dialogue double-teaming to deliver an engaging read; but the star of the show is Antonio Fuso, whose black and white art scrupulously sells Saheer’s experience–his ever-evolving “movement”–and, ultimately, runs this fucking town. In fact, I’m gonna sprint to the comic shop as soon as it opens to get my hands on this one–’cause there’ll probably only be one or two on the shelf and it’d suck to miss it–especially after the wait (it’s been a while) and after having re-read #2 to get my feet under me. Damn that was good!

This week isn’t defined so much by the number of books I’m getting as it’s defined by one particular book I’m getting. You’ll know which one when you get to it. So much for self control!

The Massive #26 (Dark Horse): Winding down to the end. (I’m still in denial about it, mind you.) #25 was OK–tough to be the first issue after an arc that truly slakes the thirst like “Sahara”–but had that “setting up the wind down” feel to it. Silver lining: answers are on the horizon.

Mind MGMT #25 (Dark Horse): Can’t type about #24 without first mentioning the gorgeous wraparound cover–which, by the way, was won at auction by some lucky fan for a smidgen over $5000: I got Lyme disease just looking at it! Inside, a bit of a retrospective, more a Rosetta Stone–all through the lens of Henry Lyme, who’s heart is so lovingly revealed–and it’s Merutiful!. Loved it. OK, so, the big question about this month’s issue: how much is this cover going to go for?

Mind MGMT #25

Pop #1 (Dark Horse):This poppy premise is definitely Top 40: a prefabbed pop princess goes off the reservation! Will she auto-tune her way out of trouble? Or will she go full Milli Vanilli? Don’t know the creators, but when has that ever stopped me? Here’s hoping that Curt Pires and Jason Copland deliver a hit–and that they’re not one-hit wonders.

Pop #1

Bodies #2 (DC/Vertigo): Loved, loved, loved the quilt that Si Spencer stitched together with his coterie of co-creators. We liked it so much that we’ve made it one of our Top 5 Books of July! (Write-up to come.)

Bodies #2

Dead Boy Detectives #8 (DC/Vertigo): Continues to be an engaging read a la The Books of Magic ongoing.

Superman #34 (DC): Finally! A Superman book worth reading! It’s felt like forever since Morrison left and took his massive moments with him. Two issues into their arc, Johns and Romita, Jr. have proven that they are worthy successors–even if they are a bit more straightforward in terms of storytelling.

The Last Fall #2 (IDW): Wasn’t knocked out by #1, but I’m going to try another. Why? Since you asked: I’m giving Tom Waltz my attention because of his terrific work on TMNT. I’m loyal like that.

Low #2 (Image): Not high on this but not exactly low, either. Yes, #1 read like a Remender book; but Greg Tocchini’s art, which is pretty excellent, made me think but not mind that I was basically reading The Wake Part II #1. I’m going to go against my better judgement and buy this one. I don’t know–maybe this’ll be the book that finally turns me toward Remender. Then again, the writer’s own words from #1 haunt–and taunt–me; they are essentially telling me to lay off: “Being optimistic doesn’t mean you have to ignore the realities around you.” Preach, Reverend Rick. Preach.

Low #2

The Manhattan Projects #23 (Image): In #22, Hickman refers to a “line between the mundane and the divine.” Usually, TMP is firmly planted on the divine side; it’s as consistent a book as you’re going to find. However, much of #22 toes that ironically referenced line; in fact, it does a much-too-talky tip-toe dance for a goodly part of the book. But, in typical Hickman fashion, it ends elegantly on pointe. And blade. And spike.

Outcast #3 (Image): The story is compelling enough, with its layers and all. Robert Kirkman and Paul Azaceta–whose art, as colored by Elizabeth Breitweiser, reminds of David Aja’s–have done a fine job of developing a sense of dread–you know, the seventh sense–and authentic sympathy for Kyle.

Saga #22 (Image): Honesty: #19 and #20 left me a bit wanting; yeah, hadn’t been feeling so gaga about Saga–until #21, that is. Oof, what a comeback. (Not so much for Mama Sun, though, eh?) Five big splashes from Fiona Staples help hammer home the love, the hate, the hurt–the brilliance—of Saga.

Saga #22

Wayward #1 (Image): Marketed as “Buffy the Vampire Slayer for a new generation,” but gonna give it a try anyway. God knows I love a me a good “supernatural spectacle,” you know, like the supernaturally terrific Thomas Alsop (BOOM!).

All-New X-Men #31 (Marvel): Still haven’t gotten a hold of #30. Figures that just as I came around to what Bendis is doing I can’t find the damn book on the shelf. My fault, I guess. I should’ve put it on my pull list as soon as things turned toward the positive for me.

Original Sin #5.4 (Marvel): Once again, a crossover has come along and murdered momentum–in the case of Loki: Agent of Asgard, magical momentum. It’s been nice to look at; otherwise, I can’t wait for this nonsense to fall away so we can get back on the alluringly loqucious Lokimotive.

Silver Surfer #5 (Marvel): We’ve celebrated each of the first three issues as a top book of the month. (See: March, April, and June.) #4 was great, too; but, because of all of the greater books that dropped in July, it missed being a Top 5 book. It was easily a Top 10 title, though. Despite a dignified drop in the I&N rankings, one thing’s been a constant: SS has been a perfect marriage of writer and artist: Slott’s writing the new adventures of Norrin Radd like it was his professional destiny, and Allred’s, well, Allred: he is the power cosmic complement who makes the book pop–for as long as they both shall live. Or at least until their hang-tenure is over.

Silver Surfer #5

Brass Sun #4 (2000 A.D.): I’m digging Brass Sun. I like the possibilities offered up by the universe that Ian Edginton’s created, and I’ve really taken to artist I.N.J. Culbard’s approach and how carries the story without ever distracting from it. #3, with its twists and spurns, has kicked things up a notch. On to the next!

Evil Empire #4 (BOOM!): Speaking of a #3 that delivered some twists! Glad I didn’t ditch after #2! Can’t look past the great covers by Jay Shaw, either. Then again, you have to, you know, if you want to read the book. Rest assured: it’s OK if you want to judge Evil Empire by this cover:

Evil Empire #4

The Sixth Gun #42 (Oni Press): Still a bit behind. This’ll sit on a short stack, which I will–i must–read before I go back to work.

X-O Manowar #28 (Valiant): Generally, I don’t care for crossovers, but the Armor Hunters diversion works well here, for obvious reasons. Sure, Archer & Armstrong and Quantum and Woody deserve the accolades they’ve received. (Harvey noms are nothing to sneeze at.) Robert Venditti, however, deserves a lot of credit for playing a one-note character into a symphony of sympathy, which has lasted, now, for twenty-eight issues.

Avery’s Pick of the Week:

Bee and Puppycat #3 (BOOM!): Avery just thinks that Bee and Puppycat is the dog’s meow.

The Massive #25 (Dark Horse): Since February, The Massive has been an I&N monthly Top 5 Book. That’s a record five months in a row! On the strength of that, I think it’s safe to say that Brian Wood’s book is headed for the Top Ten of 2014. For the most part, “Sahara” delivered its powerful feminist message in the understated manner–Women! Water! Life!–we’ve come to expect from Wood. (If I’m being fair, Part Three felt a bit preachy at times, but not to the detriment of the issue or of the arc.) The final arc–with its promise of Massive answers–begins here.

Veil #4 (Dark Horse): Has been somewhat disappointing–the last issue, in particular. I’m not caring too much about the femme ratale. There’s something all too familiar about her. Fejzula’s art’s been good, though. I’m riding it out because it’s a fiver.

East of West #14 (Image): Has been North of Excellent. Hickman and Dragotta certainly took their time building a big world–which is Hickman’s bag, ain’t it?; oh, but they’ve been hitting big–no, really big notes of late. (#12, in particular, was ridiculously good.) A dark robot horse for my personal pick for the Top Ten of 2014.

Fatale #24 (Image): Lots of love for the poetic penultimate issue. I thought it was spectacular, really–visually (different for Phillips on Fatale that’s for sure) and in terms of revelations. Brubaker went Big Bang, man. As I’m remembering, I’m still kinda affected by the whole thing with Josephine’s son. Creepy as hell, but, in the end, necessary, no? Speaking of the end: this is the femme finale–and I have no doubt: “It’s going to hurt.” Yeah, it’s going to be tough to say goodbye to one of our favorite books.

Fatale #24

Low #1 (Image): I couldn’t be any lower on a creator than I am on Remender. Why would I do this to myself??

Outcast #2 (Image): “Demons are the new zombies,” eh? The first issue was a decent set up. It’s no Thomas Alsop, that’s for sure; but I’ll give it a few, you know, to see where it goes. (If you’re not reading Thomas Alsop from BOOM! yet, get on that. You won’t be disappointed.)

Hawkeye #19 (Marvel): Listen up! Apparently, it’s taken Aja a long time to master the art of sign language for this issue. That’s right: try to remember–or I’ll remind: Clint’s gone deaf. So…

Hawkeye #19

Uncanny X-Men #24 (Marvel): I missed the last issue. As a result, I have no idea what secrets Xavier’s will revealed. Now that’s a sin!

The Massive #20 (Dark Horse): #19 struggled a bit to to rise to the level of “Longship.” It was to be expected, I suppose, even as expectations were expectedly ramped up as a result of the exquisite study in tension that was the showdown between Cal Israel and Bors Bergson. In general, there is something magical about how Brian Wood gets more out of simmering than most get out of boiling.

Mind MGMT #19 (Dark Horse): Matt Kindt is working at a completely different level; and, in that, he’s competing against himself–and winning, wouldn’t you know! Oh, you know–because you’re a regular reader of Mind MGMT, right? If you’ve been a regular reader of our humble blog, then you know that #16 was our favorite issue until #17 came along and earned our coveted Best Single Issue of 2013 award. #18–our #1 book of January 2014–has trumped #17 as our favorite issue of Mind MGMT to date; so you know what we’re expecting: #19 is going to be better still! It’s going to be magic!

The Wake #6 (DC/Vertigo): According to Scott Snyder: “#5 [was] the big game changer.” If that means that the series is suddenly going to get interesting, a bit more challenging, then terrific. If it simply speaks to the leap forward in time that we’ve been hanging onto since #1, then I’m bored already. Aside from some Snyder-esque horror in #3, the series has been an absolute snoozefest. This is a rep-read–did I just coin that?–if there ever was one.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #31 (IDW): I’m still marveling over the fact that I’m reading a Turtles book. Thing is, it’s good. The writing’s solid, and Ross Campbell’s art is terrific; it suits the situation in which the Turtles find themselves perfectly. And it certainly doesn’t hurt that Mateus Santolouco’a return to the title is just around the corner. Sweet!

TMNT #31

Deadly Class #2 (Image): I’ve about reached the end of my Remender rope. But I have just enough left for this one. I hope I get a bit more than recycled schemes, though.

Rat Queens #5 (Image): It sure as hell ain’t high art, but who gives a rat’s ass? Wiebe and Upchurch are spreading a plague of royal merriment! Catch it as quickly as you can!

Rat Queens #5

Satellite Sam #6 (Image): All I remember of #5: lots of below the belt lip service. Now, with the oral stage set, what’s to come, Sigmund Fraction? I hope we get back to business–before the afterglow turns totally to aftergloom.

Sheltered #7 (Image): #6 offered up an interesting angle: the adult as the innocent. Derek and I talked about it here: I&N the Gutter with…Sheltered. I’m hoping that this series stays tight and doesn’t get tedious–like Revival, for instance.

Three #5 (Image): #3 was great. #4 didn’t quite have the same impact but was a damn fine follow up with an edge of your seat cliffhanger. Can’t wait to see how it plays out here in #5. Kieron Gillen’s got something really good going with Three. Looks like when he’s doing his own thing, as with Uber, he’s much more effective and, ultimately, more engaging. He grabs his angle, does his research, and soars.

Fantastic Four #1 (Marvel): James Robinson’s The All-New Invaders has been a major disappointment. In fact, we called out #1 as our Biggest Dis(appointment) of January. We all know that Robinson’s capable of so much more. Well, I hope he brings that more to Fantastic Four–and I hope what he and Leonard Kirk bring together as a team to “The World’s Greatest Comic Magazine” justifies the reboot.

Hawkeye #15 (Marvel): Wouldn’t you know: a filtered Fraction is a much better–and certainly sexier–Fraction. But Fraction’s only half of the team that’s serving up the second best hero book–after Daredevil , of course–in the Marvel Universe: David Aja has a hand–a very active hand, sexually actually–in the sexification of Clint Barton, as well. Hey Derek! Smart move jumping onto Mind MGMT–finally. Now it’s time to set your sights on some super hero action. What are you waiting for? I’ll even lend you my trades!

Hawkeye #15

Miracleman #3 (Marvel): I’m hooked on Alan Moore’s Miracleman! Gosh, I wish I had read these stories back in the day, though. But thanks to Marvel for giving me an opportunity enjoy them now. Could do without all of the ancillary material, however.

Doc Savage #3 (Dynamite): On the strength of Derek’s recommendation, I’ve picked up the first two, but I haven’t gotten around to reading them yet.

X-O Manowar #22 (Valiant): A reliable read, though rarely remarkable. Aric, however, remains one of my favorite characters. I wonder whether or not Aric’s involvement in Unity will bring a little something extra to this book. We’ll see.

The Massive #17 (Dark Horse): Continues to be one of my favorites. In #11, Callum Israel, the unyielding–and anachronistic–idealist, stares down an agent of the new reality: whaler, Bors Borgsen. “Tomorrow [they] do go to war,” and I can’t wait.

Mind MGMT #17 (Dark Horse): How much did I love #16? Let me count the ways: it was our #3 book of October.

Mind MGMT #17

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #28 (IDW): “City Fall” comes to an end–and so too, sadly, does Mateus Santolouco’s run as the artist. Admission: I’ve enjoyed the arc a lot, more so than I expected to. Not much of a Turtles fan, I jumped on board because of Santolouco’s art; thing is, I just may stick around even after this one. Never would’ve guessed that in a million years.

TMNT #28

Bedlam #10 (Image): I’ve gone a long while with this one without feeling a connection to a single character. I should just drop the damn thing and be done with it once and for all. (Instead, I kinda feel like I’m the one being dropped–not unlike the fella falling to the pavement on the cover of #9.) Big words from someone who’s not standing in a comic shop filled with shiny new books–books that seem to know that I have the constitution of an secondhand accordion.

Black Science #1 (Image): I’m not too sure if I’m going to bother with this. I know, I know: it’s an Image #1, and that usually means it’s gonna end up in my bag. But I’m carrying a pretty significant grudge: I’m not going to mince words: I hate what Rick Remender did with Captain America in the NOW! I couldn’t read past #3. I came back, mind you, once Remender pulled Cap out of Dimension Z. Still, everything was wrong–so terribly wrong. Traitorously wrong. The only reason I might even try this one is because sometimes writers I haven’t liked very much on established characters shine while developing their own. Yeah, that’s my science.

Pretty Deadly #2 (Image): Expectations are pretty darned low after a muddled and all-too-familiar first issue. I’m going to be fair, though, and give it a flip through. Sometimes a series needs that second or third issue to take off and find its own space. I usually extend that courtesy to creators I like or characters I like; that’s not the case here, however. Maybe it’s because I’ve developed a weak spot for westerns of late. We’ll see.

Rat Queens #3 (Image): The book’s got a bit of a Saga vibe, doesn’t it? Didn’t notice it so much in #1; but in #2, it’s pretty obvious–especially in the strong final note. “Buckets” of fun! I mean, it’s not nearly as refined, as deliberate; it’s exuberant prose, where Saga‘s poetry. Here we go: it’s as if Wiebe’s throwing all at the wall and is keeping everything that sticks and–aw, why the hell not?–everything that doesn’t. Despite its checkered execution, there’s plenty to like. Queen me!

Rat Queens #3

Saga #16 (Image): “Perfect, gumdrop.” And that’s all ye need to know.

Saga #16

Sidekick #4 (Image): All that work–and for what? Talk about the St. Louis blues! Flyboy’s gotta be sidekicking himself! Heh. Mostly a solid issue. Certainly worth another shot.

All-New X-Men #19 (Marvel): #18 was better than I expected it to be. Could do without the new unis, though. Brought me back–appropriately, I suspect–to my initial reaction to the awful uniforms donned by the very same bunch upon their “dramatic return” in X-Factor #1 (1986).

Hawkeye #14 (Marvel): I loved #13. In fact, it was this close to making our Top 5 for October. It’s Matt Fraction at his heroic best. Doesn’t hurt that he’s got David Aja and Matt Hollingsworth affirming it all with their artistic version of the truth. Fraction may be hitting the haystack with Sex Criminals; here, however, he’s center bull.

Letter 44 #2 (Oni Press): I said my peace–fighting words for some–about #1 over on our Top 5 for October. Thing is, it wasn’t a part of the Top 5–it was our Biggest Dis. Despite the dis–a pretty friendly one, if I’m being honest–I’m hoping that something significant happens here. If Soule drags out the reveal of the aliens, I’m off–unless President Blades shines again. Then I may stick around for another. Accordion, indeed.

Still riding a post-Comic Con high. You know what that means: I’ll be looking to buy, buy, buy!

Brain Boy #2 (Dark Horse): Underwhelming initial effort on Fred Van Lente’s part. Hard to live up to the standard he’s set for himself with the Grade A Archer & Armstrong and the hilarious The Mocking Dead. R.B. Silva’s art, however, is stunning.

Buzzkill #2 (Dark Horse): Liked #1 more than I expected to. Surprised me not unlike the way BOOM!’s Six-Gun Gorilla #1 did. No, I’m not saying I expect it to be as good on as many levels as SGG; it’s clearly not that kind of book. But expectations have been raised. Let’s hope it doesn’t fizzle out like Dark Horse’s Colder and Dream Thief.

Buzzkill #2

Animal Man #24 (DC): OK, now they’re getting serious: American Vampire‘s Rafael Albuquerque has taken over art duties. Let’s see if this is the change Jeff Lemire needed to set this ship aright.

Batman and Two-Face #24 (DC): Peter J. Tomasi and Patrick Gleason deserve far more credit than they’ve received for the work they’ve been doing over here. Anyone not under a spell should be able to tell: this is the best Batman book going. Don’t take my word for it; pick it up and find out for yourself. This issue kicks off a new arc, so jump on board now and find out what all of the buzz should be about.

Batman and Two-Face #24

Batman/Superman #4 (DC): So far, so good. Greg Pak’s making sense despite treading in Morrison-like territory, and Jae Lee’s work is beautiful, as always.

Batwoman #24 (DC): Battle of the Bat-Sexes. Sad to know we’re coming up on the end of what’s been a tremendous run with this character.

Nowhere Men #6 (Image): From out of nowhere comes the sixth issue of one of our favorite series. I may have to break into the box and ground myself before taking off with this.

Nowhere Men #6

Sheltered #4 (Image): #3 showed some cracks. I’m concerned that Brisson’s going to break down like he did during his Comeback.

Zero #2 (Image): Ales Kot proved he’s still got it with his opening salvo. Easily wiped the terrible stain of his awkward run on Suicide Squad from my brain.

Zero #2

Hawkeye #13 (Marvel): Fraction’s back on his home turf. He’s shown, however, that he’s comfortable just about anywhere nowadays, as evidenced by the sensational Satellite Sam and the arresting Sex Criminals.

Uncanny X-Men #13 (Marvel): Battle of the Atom will undoubtedly end with a considerable amount of collateral damage–including all of the X-books that have been tied to the debacle that has been Battle of the Atom. Yes, this may very well be the push I need to get off of the X-[insert conveyance here].

Bloodshot #15 (Valiant): Definitely on the chopping block. See: I haven’t cared too much for Bloodshot since we said goodbye to Gamma. I’ll give it this one to grab me good. If it doesn’t, then it’s goodbye.

X-O Manowar #18 (Valiant): Not long ago, I almost quit on X-O. Glad I didn’t.

The Sixth Gun #35 (Oni Press): As fun an ongoing as your bound to find.

Six-Gun Gorilla #5 (BOOM!): Ah, the best for last. So far, we’re talking contender for Book of the Year. Met Jeff Stokely at the NYCC, and–I don’t think he’d mind my saying–he promised that this one’s a wild ride. I believe him.

Batman Annual #2 (Read it! Should’ve learned my lesson regarding these darned annuals a long time ago. But seeing as I bought it and read it: I guess I liked the premise that Batman “ruined” Arkham by filling it with villainous scum. What I didn’t care for was the stretching out of the story–which was unnecessary in the context of the story itself, clearly, but necessary in the context of filling all those extra pages. Darned annuals.)

Uber #4 (Read it! Now that’s how it’s done! Kudos to Kieron Gillen and Caanan White for serving up a solid issue from front to back. And to think I almost abandoned the war effort after #2!)

Bedlam #8 (Read it! Fully expected it to be a pull-list casualty at this point; but, darn it, throughout the series Spencer’s shown a knack for escalating the plot over the course of an issue, and this issue is a prime example of that knack and its power. And just like that, I’m down for more.)

Bedlam #8

Daredevil #29 (Read it! On its own, a pretty good show. Unfortunately, it’s not on its own; it both follows and is a follow-up to the near flawless #28.)

The Wake #3 (Read it! OK, now you’ve got my attention, Mr. Snyder! This is the issue I was waiting for-not just it terms of the series, but in terms of the series’ scribe, as well. What sucks about it: now I’ve got to wait some more–for #4.)

Animal Man Annual #2 (Read it! Love the family stuff. The hero stuff is on the walking side of run-of-the-mill. That seems to be the flaw in Lemire’s game. Well, there’s always Trillium, which is due 8/7. Good to see travel Foreman, by the way.)

Collider #1 (Gonna get right to it after I post this darn thing.)

Collider #1

I’m happy to report that I also picked up Hawkeye Vol. 2, so it won’t be long before I’m all caught up!

Mind MGMT #12 (Dark Horse): Another one of my favorite titles for all the right reasons.

Adventures of Superman #2 (DC): We loved the first issue. The first two stories–from Parker, Samnee, and Lemire–are more Superman than anything we’ve seen in the New 52 this side of a few magical Morrison moments.

Batman/Superman #1 (DC): You got your Batman in my Superman. You got yourSuperman in my Batman. Yet another opportunity for DC to get these heroes right. First indication it may work: Scott Snyder’s not involved. Second: Jae Lee is.

Batman/Superman #1

Justice League of America #5 (DC): At this point, it’s one issue at a time. The Catwoman cliffhanger caught me. Go figure.

The Wake #2 (DC/Vertigo): Not excited about this in the least. I’d like to think that this issue will change that.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #23 (IDW): A comic-day decision. Only bought the last one to support an I&N favorite Mateus Santoluoco. The art was great, but the book as a whole didn’t grab me.

Clone #8 (Image): Still doing its thing–it’s oft outlandish thing.

Fatale #15 (Image): Another top title. After a terrific series of one-shots, It’s time for a new arc. Expecting nothing but brilliance from Brubaker and Phillips.

Fatale #15

Lazarus #1 (Image): Lots of hype leading up to this one from Greg Rucka and Michael Lark. You’d have to be dead to have missed it. Don’t worry: odds are good this book’ll bring you back to life. I am stoked!

Lazarus #1

Jupiter’s Legacy #2 (Image): Derek’ll let me have it for even considering it. Sure, we hated the first one; but sometimes it takes two, you know? I’ll definitely flip through it.

FF #8 (Marvel): I really enjoyed last issue. And to think I almost called it quits after a pretty terrible #6. Just missed being in our Top 5 for May!

Fury: My War Gone By #13 (Marvel): A great week of books gets even better with the finale of Ennis and Parlov’s hard-edged history lesson. Gonna be very sad to see it go, though–especially because its passing means a little less Ennis.

Daredevil #27 (Marvel): I think we can all agree that the return of Bullseye was a given from the get-go. The nature of his return, however? Not as expected. Yeah, I think Waid really nailed it. Can’t wait to see how it plays out.

Daredevil #27

Uncanny X-Men #7 (Marvel): As disappointing a diversion as I could imagine. Dormammu? No thank you. And still I buy.

X-Men #2 (Marvel): More Wood! #1 worked itself out well enough. Certainly earned another go-round.

Hawkeye #11 (Marvel): Yup: I’m jumpin’ on the monthly bandwagon. Sure, I can’t crack it open until after I get and read Vol. 2; but it’s all–not just a fraction–good. Hey, Derek! Quit being such a hater! Try Vol. 1 already!

Uncanny #1 (Dynamite): Haven’t necessarily cared for what I’ve seen from Diggle of late. (Snapshot was only OK, and his only full issue on Action wasn’t very good.). But I’m willing to give this a try.